A detailed guide to the many factors that need to be considered when planning & managing a screening programme for the early detection of cervical cancer. Noting that screening programmes often fail to have an impact on incidence rates & mortality, the book concentrates on key managerial decisions, such as the definition of target groups & the frequency of screening, that will determine a programme's capacity to detect cervical cancer at an early, curable stage in the population at greatest risk. Advice & recommendations draw upon evidence from several large investigations as well as experiences with different programmes throughout the world. Policies that consume resources without improving results are clearly indicated. The book sets out managerial guidelines for the implementation & evaluation of screening programmes. Concentrating on key managerial decisions, the book covers such questions as when a screening programme can be implemented, which sector of the health service should be used as the organizational base, & who should be responsible for management, surveillance, & evaluation. Other chapters offer advice on the organization of screening programmes in the context of primary health care, & outline programme requirements in terms of information systems.